OpenAI shares details from thwarted romance scams, fake law firms, and an effort to smear Japan's prime minister
Business Insider
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
OpenAI has released a report detailing how scammers and potentially state-sponsored actors are abusing its AI technology for malicious purposes, including romance scams, fake law firms, and efforts to manipulate public opinion. The report highlights several cases where ChatGPT was used to create fraudulent content, such as fake dating service logos, images of non-existent individuals, and even tax advice provided by users who openly identified themselves as scammers. One particularly concerning example involved a scam targeting Indonesian men interested in luxury lifestyle content, which OpenAI estimates defrauded hundreds of victims monthly. The operation used AI chatbots to build trust with potential victims before directing them to fake dating services and demanding payments through bank transfers or digital wallets.
Additionally, the report revealed that scammers created fake law firm profiles and social media content using ChatGPT, including a phony New York State Bar Association membership card. OpenAI also banned several accounts impersonating US law enforcement officials. The most brazen case involved an individual linked to Chinese law enforcement attempting to use ChatGPT to plan a covert intelligence operation targeting Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, following her criticism of human rights issues in Mongolia. This effort included large-scale tactics like abusive reporting on social media, mass online posting, and document forgery.
The findings underscore the growing sophistication of cyberattacks and the potential risks posed by state-sponsored actors using AI tools for repression and manipulation. OpenAI
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/25/2026